Global warming
Global Warming
Scientists made an alarming discovery in the 1980s. They found out that the average
temperature of the Earth's surface was slowly rising. This trend is called global warming. Today
we know that global warming is increasing because more and more gases get into the
atmosphere.
Greenhouse effect
A greenhouse is a glass house in which plants grow. The glass lets light in and at the
same time keeps heat from getting out. This heat keeps the plants warm, even when it is cold
outside. The same happens to the Earth's atmosphere. It lets sunlight in and keeps carbon dioxide
and other gases from getting out. We need these gases but too much of them trap more heat.
Causes of Global Warming
For a long time people on our Earth didn't think a lot about greenhouse gases. The
situation changed when people started using more and more energy in the form of fossil fuels,
like oil, gas and coal. We burn fossil fuels to power factories, run cars, produce electricity and
heat houses. As fossil fuels burn they let carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
During the last few decades people have also cut down many forests. Trees use carbon
dioxide when they make their own food. Fewer trees mean that less carbon dioxide is taken out
of the atmosphere.
Possible effects of global warming
Scientists have different opinions on how warm the Earth's surface will really get. The
increase may be between 1.5°C and 6°C by the year 2100. Warmer weather will make ice caps
and glaciers melt. Sea levels could rise dramatically. Plants, animals and people living in coastal
areas all could be in danger. The weather may change in many areas of the world. Floods,
droughts and damaging storms could be the result.
People in colder regions might welcome warmer weather but those who live in regions
that are already hot may suffer from new diseases. At the same time some animals may not
survive because they cannot adapt to the new environment. They could move to other places in
order to live there.
Reducing global warming
Finding a solution to solve the world's biggest environmental problem is not an easy task.
Although we need energy to make our economy grow there are things that could be done to fight
off this problem. Carpools or travelling by public transport could take many cars off the roads.
You could turn off lights, TV sets, computers and other electrical items if you don't need them.
Companies have been spending a lot of money to produce items that use little energy.
We also need to use more alternative energy, like sunlight, wind power or wave power.
Car companies have started to produce a new type of cars known as hybrids. It works like an
electric car but also has a small petrol engine.
The Kyoto Protocol
In 1997 over 150 countries signed the Kyoto Protocol at the United Nations Climate
Conference. Industrialized countries should reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. The
United States which produces about 25 % of all greenhouse gases has often made public that it
will not support the agreement.\
Article Analysis:
5W+1H:
What: Global warming and its effects
When: Ongoing, discovered in the 1980s
Where: Earth’s atmosphere
Who: Humans, industries, and governments
Why: Caused by the increase in greenhouse gases due to burning fossil fuels and deforestation
How: Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, raising global temperatures
Nominal:
● Global warming is a major environmental issue.
● The Earth’s temperature is rising steadily.
● The Kyoto Protocol was signed by over 150 countries.
Verbal:
● Scientists discovered global warming in the 1980s.
● Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
● The Kyoto Protocol aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Present Simple:
Pattern: Subject + (v1/v-s)
● Scientists warn about global warming.
● Greenhouse gases trap heat.
● The sea level rises as ice caps melt.
Past Simple:
Pattern: Subject + (v-ed)
● Scientists found global warming in the 1980s.
● Countries signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1997.
● Trees absorbed more carbon dioxide before deforestation.
Present Continuous:
Pattern: Subject + is/am/are + (v-ing)
● The Earth is experiencing a rise in temperature.
● Countries are discussing climate action plans.
● Scientists are studying global warming impacts.
Present Perfect:
Pattern: Subject + has/have + (past participle)
● Scientists have warned about global warming for decades.
● Many nations have signed environmental agreements.
● Sea levels have risen due to melting ice caps.
Active Voice
● Passive: The Kyoto Protocol was signed by over 150 countries.
Active: Over 150 countries signed the Kyoto Protocol.
● Passive: Greenhouse gases are trapped in the atmosphere.
Active: The atmosphere traps greenhouse gases.
● Passive: Carbon dioxide is released by burning fossil fuels.
Active: Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide.
Passive Voice:
● Active: Scientists discovered global warming.
Passive: Global warming was discovered by scientists.
● Active: Industries release carbon dioxide into the air.
Passive: Carbon dioxide is released into the air by industries.
● Active: The Kyoto Protocol aims to reduce emissions.
Passive: Emissions are aimed to be reduced by the Kyoto Protocol.